Texas fans immediately knew when they landed a five-star running back over Ohio State that they got a special player in Bijan Robinson.
The Arizona native was more than what Texas fans had hoped for. His positive energy off the field combined with his ability to shake defenders out of their shoes on the field was must-watch. Robinson was named to two first-team All-Big 12 teams, was a unanimous All-American this past season, and was also awarded the Doak Walker Award in 2022 as well.
His stellar career as a Longhorn saw him rush for over 530 times for 3,410 yards and 33 touchdowns on 6.3 yards per carry. He also added an impressive 60 receptions for over 800 yards and eight touchdowns. Robinson quite simply had the “it factor” which was one of the reasons he was viewed by some as the best player in the most recent NFL Draft regardless of position.
Robinson didn’t have to wait long to hear his name called, as the Atlanta Falcons selected him with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Something that has become somewhat of a rarity in past drafts due to the short shelf life that running backs have in the NFL. While there is already pressure as it is being a high draft pick, Robinson will also have to endure the pressure of wearing No. 7 for the Falcons. A number that was obviously sported by Falcon legend, quarterback Michael Vick.
On the most recent episode of “It Needed To Be Said” podcast hosted by Miami Dolphins Receiver Tyreek Hill, Robinson opened up about the pressures that coincide with wearing such a prestigious number in Atlanta.
Robinson explained that head coach Arthur Smith asked Vick for his blessing for Robinson to wear the jersey number, while Robinson himself had to ask extremely popular kicker Younghoe Koo who wore the No. 7 currently.
Typically when people want a number that is occupied there is some cash exchanged, but Robinson explained that Koo was very open to giving him the number and suggested that he donated whatever money he would have paid him to charity. Robinson will in fact be wearing the No. 7 during his upcoming rookie season, and is hoping to have the impact that Vick once had during his days in Atlanta. A very humble individual, Robinson clearly just wants to make Vick and the city of Atlanta proud.